Bought an MX5

[OpenToSuggestions]

This is the best thing I've done to mine so far. Take some out the base to make a bowl shape for you to sit in, and there's a whole section of the backrest which will pull out as one piece. Makes the seat feel like a proper bucket and hugs you tight round the corners.

The seat took me a long time to take apart as the screw that held the back and base together (not the side with the big bolts) was a real PITA to remove. Also the hog rings were a pain! I will use cable ties to put the seat back together.

I am thinking of cutting foam out the base, as if it is cut out the top then the seat cover will not fit again properly.

Did you cut foam out the entire base or just the bit that sticks out a bit?
The bit of foam on the back that easily comes out . Won't it make the back of the seat look saggy?

 

[kieranv]

There's a good guide here. I just cut foam out of the centre section rather than the bolsters at the sides.

I used cable ties to hold the fabric aswel and it's worked fine.

I'll take a picture of my seat tomorrow and post it up, it's slightly baggier than usual, but not so much that it bothers me considering how awesome the seat now is. Also, I havn't done the passenger side, so you'll be able to see the difference.

 

[OpenToSuggestions]

There's a good guide here. I just cut foam out of the centre section rather than the bolsters at the sides.

I used cable ties to hold the fabric aswel and it's worked fine.

I'll take a picture of my seat tomorrow and post it up, it's slightly baggier than usual, but not so much that it bothers me considering how awesome the seat now is. Also, I havn't done the passenger side, so you'll be able to see the difference.

Ok thanks that would be really helpful!
I've seen so many different foam removal guides that I'm now confused .

 

[kieranv]

So, when i said "there's a good guide here" I was supposed to post a link

http://clubroadster.net/vb_forum/86-diy-how-writeups/59384-how-perform-foamectomy.html

 

[kieranv]

Some pictures. As you can see, the bottom section is saggier than the back, I've probably taken a bit too much out there, but it doesn't bother me.

drivers

Passenger (not touched)

Drivers rear profile

Passenger rear profile

 

[OpenToSuggestions]

Many thanks for that Kieranv!

OK thanks for the help.
I have tried to change the belt and have got myself in a right mess.

The belts are both off. The power steering belt is off but the alternator belt is off, but stuck on the top wheel (of three). I genuinely have no idea how to remove the belt. I removed a small hose collant hose of the silver tap thing on the end of the engine and think I managed to cut it a bit when I slipped - oops! I will sort that after the alternator belt is on!

First things first - How on earth do I get the alternator belt off?


Not my photo, but the silver tap thing that the engine collant is in is in the way. I literally cannot take the belt off the top wheel either up or down.
The issue is the wheel with the arrow that points diagonally down and right.

http://img830.imageshack.us/img830/8813/screenshot20111125at093.png

 

[kieranv]

Make sure the tensioner brakets are loosened all the way off (mine needed persuasion with a hammer)
I removed mine from the crank pulley, basically pull it off as much as possible, it'll sit on the edge of the pulley, then rotate the pulley round with your hand and the belt will come off.

Refitting is reverse of removal

 

[OpenToSuggestions]

Make sure the tensioner brakets are loosened all the way off (mine needed persuasion with a hammer)
I removed mine from the crank pulley, basically pull it off as much as possible, it'll sit on the edge of the pulley, then rotate the pulley round with your hand and the belt will come off.

Refitting is reverse of removal

I had to remove the pulley - No other way of doing it! The silver tap bit that came out the block was so obstructive there was no other way of doing it.
Getting the alternator belt off the crank and alternator was easy. The belt was stuck on the top pulley due to no space available to take it off.
I managed to fit it back on OK though .

I am a n00b, but I am certainly learning .

 

[OpenToSuggestions]

Belts now changed!
Car starts yet will not keep going and stalls after 1-2 seconds of running. Originally the MAF was not connected, but it does the same even though it is connected again.
Will disconnecting the battery mess with the immobiliser? It is one that you touch on a senser and is Cat 2. Afaik it is a Toad one but not sure.

 

[kieranv]

It'll be something to do with the intake piping. Mine was doing the same after I was messing around with it. Turned out to be a tiny breather hose I'd forgotten to put back on. Just go round and check all the hoses are on and tight.

I doubt disconnecting the battery will do anything to the immobiliser, certainly doesn't make a difference with mine (also a toad). Might cause the alarm to go off when you reconnect it though (if it has one?).

 

[OpenToSuggestions]

It'll be something to do with the intake piping. Mine was doing the same after I was messing around with it. Turned out to be a tiny breather hose I'd forgotten to put back on. Just go round and check all the hoses are on and tight.

I doubt disconnecting the battery will do anything to the immobiliser, certainly doesn't make a difference with mine (also a toad). Might cause the alarm to go off when you reconnect it though (if it has one?).

You sir were absolutely spot on.

The Mother has done a cracking job fixing the bolster on the driver's seat and has strengthened the weak areas of it. I hope to come to an OCUK RR meet to test a foamectomied MX5 before I go hacking at my own . It seems such a shame to cut the seats up when they look so good.

I snapped a bit of plastic off the fan cover, oops! It was VERY brittle.

 

[OpenToSuggestions]

Had an alignment done a few weeks ago, the day after I had new tyres.
The difference going from 3 x 11 year old tyres, plus 1 x 1 year old tyre of a poor brand............going to 4 Dunlops and a fancy image alighment is incredible! They also aligned the steering wheel.

Here are a few pics. Turns out I have an LSD too! I cba to scan in the sheet of before vs. after but the alignment needed doing, but wasn't that bad. The fronts were pointing inwards so would have lessened the tyre life.

Pics during alignment:

A one-afternoon-wonder detail, seats dismantled with repaired and washed covers: